WHY NANAIMO?

WHY NANAIMO?

- Sustainable whale watching starts here. -

The waters surrounding Nanaimo are home to dozens of pods of Transient orca, humpback whales, sea lions, harbour seals, porpoises, eagles, and more.

Most of the whales sighted near Nanaimo are transient orca and humpback whales, whose populations are both growing! Departing from Nanaimo helps us minimize vessel traffic surrounding the endangered Southern Resident Orca which are typically spotted in the busier waters further south. In fact, to our knowledge we are the first whale watching company to prioritize transient orca over the endangered southern residents. And transients are the most exciting whales to watch! They're the only killer whales in BC that prey on marine mammals, and their collaborative hunting is nothing short of incredible to witness!

Our records also show that over the past two years, whale watchers in our region (North of Victoria, South of Campbell River) have sighted more killer whales near Nanaimo and Gabriola island than anywhere else in the Salish Sea, with a success rate of over 90%!

Finally, as the “Hub of Vancouver Island”, Nanaimo welcomes travellers from all over the world every year. There's lots to do here, including kayaking, camping, swimming, fishing, and hiking. It's all at our doorstep! Feel free to ask us about our recommendations.

A transient orca attacks a steller sea lion just beneath the waves. It's not uncommon to witness hunting behaviour in this region.